Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 19: Only Time Would Tell

Chapter 19: Only Time Would Tell

The group, already drenched in blood, turned with horrified expressions as they sensed something happening behind them. Their eyes widened further in shock and terror as they took in the scene.

Matthew’s right hand was being sliced off, bit by bit, by the monster’s grotesque tongue, which was turning his flesh into minced meat. Though his mouth felt as if it had been sealed shut, and he had lost his voice, a strangled scream eventually erupted from him as the sheer agony broke through.

"Oh, damn it!" Rose yelled, her eyes wide with terror as she took in the brutal sight. "We have to do something!" she added, raising her gun and firing at the creature in desperation. But her bullets barely slowed the monstrosity down.

The growls of other monsters echoed, getting closer, their collective snarls filling the air. Meanwhile, the door to the room creaked ominously, straining under the pressure of the monsters outside. Garvin and Louise struggled to push it closed, but the creature’s tongue forced its way in, relentless. The monster’s sharp, triple-headed tongue continued to torment Matthew mercilessly.

"Help!" Rose screamed, her pistol doing little to harm the monster. She sprinted over to grab Matthew’s left arm, attempting to pull him free, but it was futile as the creature’s grip was too strong.

Mary’s eyes widened, her face as pale as a ghost, as she stumbled back from the door. The Andersons huddled together, faces etched with sheer terror.

Scarlett, who had frozen in shock moments earlier, felt her mind begin to race once more. She sprang into action, summoning her fire element to engulf the creature’s vile tongue in flames. The heat seared the monstrous appendage, releasing a nauseating stench as it recoiled, finally breaking its grip on Matthew.

Ding!

{+100 experience.}

{+10,000 gold coins for monsters killed.}

Garvin and Louise seized the chance, slamming the door shut with all their strength. They lowered the heavy metal barricade over it, sealing out the monstrous threats. The room fell silent except for the heavy breathing of the survivors and Matthew’s pained screams.

Scarlett turned, her eyes meeting the group’s stricken faces.

Mary stumbled forward, her gaze locked on Matthew’s mutilated arm. "Oh my God, Matthew..." she whispered, voice trembling.

Blood soaked Matthew’s shredded sleeve where his arm had been severed. Rose helped him to a nearby chair, her face pale with worry.

"We need to stop the bleeding," she said urgently, examining the wound. "If we don’t, he’ll die from blood loss."

"But what are we going to use?" Louise replied, his face a mix of pity and frustration.

"Don’t bother yourselves," Matthew murmured, his voice weak. The group fell silent as they gathered around him. "I’ll turn into a monster once I die anyway. There’s no point in saving me."

"Don’t say that, please! You’re going to live, Matthew. You have to!" Rose pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You’ll be fine."

Matthew’s voice wavered, his face ashen with pain. "We both know that humans turn into monsters from injuries... but since I haven’t turned yet, it’ll only happen when I die." Tears streaked down his face, his body wracked with pain. "I have no regrets, Rose. I’m glad I got to fight alongside all of you in the end."

"Stop saying that, please, and save your strength! You’re not dying, Matthew, you’re not turning into one of those monsters!" Rose’s voice shook as she clung to him, her face streaked with tears.

Scarlett clenched her fists, her heart pounding as she tried to think of a way to save him. System, please help! Use my coins for anything that might work, she thought desperately.

Ding!

{Emergency Medical Alert: Matthew’s Critical Injury Detected}

{Current Status: - Matthew’s right arm severed and shredded; severe blood loss; risk of shock and death}

{Recommended Treatment Options:}

{Tourniquet: Apply immediately to halt blood flow (80% effectiveness)} {Hemostatic Agent: Apply to wound to speed up clotting (90% effectiveness)} {Blood Coagulant: Administer to stabilize blood pressure (85% effectiveness)} {Pain Management: Administer analgesics to reduce suffering (70% effectiveness)} {Antibiotics*: Administer to prevent infection (80% effectiveness)}

The treatment supplies materialized before the group, and for a moment, hope flickered in their eyes.

How do I even use these? Scarlett thought, feeling overwhelmed. I’m no doctor!

{Louise is a medical student. He may be able to assist.}

"Louise, please! Help him!" Scarlett pleaded aloud, her voice quivering as the group turned their gaze to him, expectant.

"H-How? I don’t know what to do!" Louise stammered. His face went pale, and he shook his head in disbelief. "How can I help?"

"You’re a medical student, aren’t you?" Scarlett shouted, desperation seeping into her voice. "You have to try!"

"How do you even know that?" Louise asked, confused.

"Is that really important right now?" Scarlett snapped, her eyes flashing. "Help him, Louise. Matthew is dying!"

Louise’s shoulders slumped. "I... I dropped out. I never finished. I barely know anything..."

"Please, Louise, try," Rose begged, sinking to her knees, her voice raw with emotion. "He doesn’t deserve this. He doesn’t deserve to die, or to become one of those things."

Ding!

{Instructions:}

{1. Wrap the tourniquet around Matthew’s upper arm, 2-3 inches above the wound. 2. Apply the hemostatic agent directly to the wound to promote clotting. 3. Inject the blood coagulant to stabilize his blood pressure. 4. Administer a pain reliever to manage his pain. 5. Inject antibiotics to prevent infection.}

{Post-Treatment Monitoring:}

{Monitor Matthew’s vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate). Check for signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness). Assess the wound condition and adjust treatment as needed.}

{Timing: Tourniquet application: Immediate, Hemostatic agent: Within 2 minutes, Blood coagulant: Within 5 minutes, Pain management: Within 5 minutes, Antibiotic administration: Within 10 minutes.}

{Hurry, host!}

"I’ll guide you. Just follow what I say," Scarlett told Louise. The group watched, tense but resolute, as they hurried to sterilize the equipment and ready the tools.

Hands shaking, Louise began the treatment, listening to Scarlett’s instructions. The others watched silently, some praying under their breath, as Louise did his best to stabilize Matthew.

After what felt like an eternity, Louise finished, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Now, monitor his vitals," Scarlett reminded him softly, her voice calmer but still filled with worry.

Louise pressed his fingers to Matthew’s pulse, his eyes focused. "100 beats per minute," he reported, then checked Matthew’s blood pressure. "80 over 60."

"Stable, but critical," Scarlett said, giving a tight nod.

Matthew’s eyes fluttered open. "R-Rose..." he whispered, his voice faint but filled with warmth.

Rose clasped his uninjured hand, tears pouring down her face. "I’m here, Matthew. I’m here," she murmured, her voice trembling.

Matthew’s gaze shifted weakly to Louise and Scarlett. "Th-thank you," he mouthed, gratitude filling his weary expression.

They forced smiles, nodding in quiet affirmation. The group held their collective breath, watching Matthew closely, knowing he was still teetering on the edge

"Will he survive?" Mary leaned closer, whispering to Scarlett, her face etched with worry.

"Only time would tell. Scarlett replied, her voice low. " Let’s keep hoping."

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